2005 CHÂTEAU PAVIE DECESSE 2005

 Displays stunning aromas of crushed blackberry, strawberry and raspberry, with hints of sandalwood. Full-bodied, with focused flavors of fruit, toasty oak, vanilla bean and cedar. Long and caressing, this is a powerful yet balanced red. 

 Somewhat of a paradox to taste, on the palate this wine is close to perfection, but the nose is somewhat reduced, with some fig and prune notes. What doesn’t make sense is that the palate is fresh, full-bodied and super-concentrated, with great blue, red and black fruits, licorice, earth and spice. This is a massive wine, but the nose has me worried.

With effort, you could find the licorice and ripe, fruits, but that was well buried and still resting, waiting to wake-up. Concentrated and plush, I'd wait at least 5 more years for this to come around before popping a cork. The 2000 I had a few days earlier was just a beauty and showing itself with ease. If everything comes together as hoped for, this should score much higher.

 Deep dark ruby garnet, opaque core, violet reflections, delicate edge lightening, fine sloe note on the nose, some grapefruit, mineral nuances. Very firm, prominent tannins on the palate, lively structured, fresh and red berries, persistent, more playful than Monbousquet, but still a touch harder. That will take time.

 Healthy crimson. Sweet and ripe on the nose. Just a bit too intense and concentrated on the palate so that the finish is a tad bitter.